Anderson Funeral Home

serving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222

Ivan Duerkop
Ivan A. Duerkop, 92, of Black River Falls was in the care of his family and hospice when he went home to be with Jesus Oct. 7, 2013.

Ivan was born July 16, 1921, in Garden Valley Township, Jackson County. He was the youngest child of Ernest and Elsie (Loesel) Duerkop.
In 1940, he met Benita A. Draeger while they were doing volunteer work at the Baitinger Rail O’Matic Eat at the Minnesota State Fair. They were married June 8, 1944, and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.
Ivan purchased his parents’ farm, where he farmed for 24 years, implementing many innovative agricultural practices of the day. He worked at Presto Industries in Eau Claire and as a welder and machinist in Black River Falls for D&S Manufacturing from 1970 until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, he could be found helping the Black River Chiropractic Clinic with their recycling needs.

Ivan was a talented woodworker and shared his skills with his grandchildren. Ivan won many awards at the Jackson County Fair with his woodworking projects. He was a quiet, gentle man who was always willing to help where he was needed, whether it was helping one of his children with plowing fields, building projects or assisting his wife in preparing for Sunday School and Bible School. 

Along with his wife Benita, Ivan is survived by children, David (Barbara) Duerkop of Fairchild, Ronald (Cathy) Duerkop of Oshkosh, Sharon Duerkop of Appleton, Debra Kraemer of Humbird and Sandra Matteson of Seattle, WA; six grandchildren, Christopher (Jenny) Matteson, Wayne (Jessica) Matteson, Nathan (Heidi) Duerkop, Caleb (Danielle) Duerkop, Elise Duerkop and Julianna Kraemer; five great-grandchildren, Orion, Sierra, Hayley, Mickeal and Devin; and a sister, June Jewell of Dodgeville.

Ivan was preceded in death by an infant son, Myron; daughter, Margaret; his parents; and his brothers, Elmer and Marvin Duerkop.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 100 North 4th Street, Black River Falls. Pastor Kathleen Jury will officiate. Family and friends may come to the church an hour before the service for visitation. After the service, a light lunch will be served, followed by the burial at Mentor Cemetery in Humbird.